Dubai's dnata completes acquisition of US-based 121 Inflight Catering, VIP caterer

Dubai: Dubai-based dnata on Tuesday announced completing the acquisition of New York’s inflight and VIP caterer, 121 Inflight Catering for undisclosed amount.

The UAE's airline and shipping services group said the acquisition allows it to expand its operations in the US, along with boosting its global network of catering businesses.

With more than 350 culinary professionals, 121 Inflight Catering provides premium catering services to commercial airlines and private jets from its facilities at New York JFK and Nashville International Airport.

The US caterer serves 21 international airlines and hundreds of private aviation customers.

Commenting on the acquisition deal, Robin Padgett, divisional senior vice president for dnata’s catering division, said, “We are excited to expand our operations in the United States, the world’s largest aviation market.”

Over the past year, Dubai's dnata has greatly invested in growing its overseas catering network.

To this end, the Emirati air services provider has recently opened a new catering facility in Dublin, Ireland, along with the acquisition of Qantas Airways’ catering division in Australia.

Moreover, dnata is on the verge of completing its new Vancouver facility- its first catering facility in Canada – set to be formally opened in 2019.

“Leveraging the strengths and synergies provided by [the partnership withdnata], we look forward to offering an even more outstanding value proposition in the market. We are sure our stakeholders will benefit from this cooperation,” Joe Savino, managing partner at 121 Inflight Catering said.

Besides the flight catering facilities at New York-JFK and Nashville International Airport, the deal also comprises two separate restaurants.

121’s flight catering operations will be rebranded to dnata and continue operation under the guidance of the existing 121 management team.